Disney not floating Pitt's role in underwater classic

RUMOURS that Brad Pitt is coming to Australia to film David Fincher's 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea appear to have been exaggerated.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, ''local reports that Brad Pitt will star are incorrect''.

While the trade paper did not cite sources, Fairfax Media understands the studio producing the film, Disney, is seeking to hose down speculation that Pitt is involved.

The company has released a statement confirming only the basics: ''The Walt Disney Studios is in development on 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, with David Fincher set to direct. No casting decisions have been made and production location details have not been finalised.''

The Arts Minister, Simon Crean, has confirmed the federal government is keen to ensure the big-budget adaptation of Jules Verne's 1870 novel comes to Australia. He has made an offer to the studio similar to that which snared The Wolverine last April, when the government granted a one-off payment of $12.8 million in a deal it claimed would create $80 million of investment and create 2000 jobs.

The total value of assistance to the film, including state incentives and payroll tax exemption, has been reported as close to $25 million.

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